Flexible container with spouts and closure

ABSTRACT

A container comprising: a base and freestanding sides extending from the base to define a mouth opposite the base, wherein the mouth has first and second spouts opposite each other and first and second interior sides opposite each other between the first and second spouts; a first zipper member extending from the first interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the second spout; a second zipper member extending from the second interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the second spout, wherein the mouth is deformable between open and closed configurations and the first and second zipper members are disengagable when the mouth is open and engagable when the mouth is closed, wherein the base, sides, and zipper members are a unitary whole container without assembled parts, wherein the container comprises silicone.

CONTINUATION STATEMENT

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/910,757, filed Mar. 2, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sealable cups,bowls and tumblers made of silicone.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,359, incorporated herein by reference, describes theuse of silicone for manufacturing of confectionery molds and bakingreceptacles, wherein silicone may be used for applications in contactwith foodstuffs, in particular, methyl-vinyl-polysiloxane obtained by aprocess of cross-linking with platinum. Silicone is a material ofpolymeric nature whose chains are made up of alternating oxygen andsilicon atoms. Silicones are normally prepared by hydrolysis andsubsequent polymerisation of alkylhalogensilanes (both acid- andbase-catalysed). The alkylhalogensilanes are in practice made by adirect process, Cu-catalysed, in which the Si reacts with thecorresponding alkyl halide. This process provides mixtures of products,whose composition can be modified by a process of redistribution toyield the desired monomer. Known in the art are silicone elastomers,which are made up of linear polymers. A cross-linking phase is requiredin order to provide the elastic properties. The most common elastomersare those deriving from dichloromethylsilane, with molecular weightsranging between 300,000 and 700,000. They are made by aprepolymerisation that provides octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,purification thereof and subsequent polymerisation in the presence of asmall quantity of monofunctional material in order to control themolecular weight, followed by a cross-linking similar to curing, in thepresence of peroxides, which lends the material its elastic properties.Other important elastomers are those that contain a small proportion(0.1% molar) of vinyl groups linked to silicon, which undergo much moreeffective curing, and those that contain between 10 and 15% molar ofphenyl groups, and good elastic properties at low temperatures.Elastomers of a much lower molecular weight (10,000 to 100,000) can beobtained by using linear polymer chains ending in silanol groups, whichcan be cured at room temperature by reaction with an alkoxylane. Ingeneral, the most important characteristic of the silicone elastomers isthe fact that they present a very broad thermal spectrum of use (from−50° C. to 200° C.) without a significant alteration of theirproperties. They have good electrical insulation properties, do notself-oxidise or undergo attack by chemical agents in aqueous medium andswell in the presence of non-polar organic solvents, although somespecial types that contain fluoro- or cyano-groups offer greaterresistance to this process.

Silicone elastomers find their widest industrial application aselectrical insulators, fluid-repellents and oxidation protectors, and inthe manufacturing of hermetic gaskets. The silicones are highly inertmaterials, and they repel water. Silicone is inert to chemical agents,with the exception of strong bases and acids, and its toxicity isgenerally low. The origin of these properties lies essentially in thehigh stability of the Si—O bond (106 Kcal/mol), and in its strongpartial ionic character. Other known uses of silicones are in themanufacturing of containers for liquids (such as wineskins) and tubesfor transporting substances (such as the tubes used for bloodtransfusions).

U.S. Publication 2014/0270579, incorporated herein by reference,discloses a silicone bag. In particular, the publication teaches a baghaving a front and back portion which are comprised of silicone or asimilar elastomer. The front and back portion are identical in size andare sealed together along their sides and bottom with a mouth along thetop portion. The mouth creates a cavity from which items are placed inand stored or transported for further use. A sealing mechanism (ribspressed into slots) on top of the bag seals items in the bag. The bag ismolded entirely of silicone, including the sealing mechanism, to bewater tight.

U.S. Publication 2014/0245698, incorporated herein by reference,discloses a package having a foldable top region. The package generallyincludes panel portions that at least partially define an interiorcavity there between and accessible through an access mouth. The topportion can provide a cuff member or cuff region that can be folded andunfolded to facilitate use of the package as a bowl or other cuffedcontainer for material contents. The package can be adapted to hold itsshape as a bowl or cuffed container. A reclosure member can be providedto facilitate re-sealing of the package. A folding strip, edge contoursand stiffening members can also be provided.

U.S. Publication 2009/0110335, incorporated herein by reference,discloses a reclosable food storage bag able to withstand a widetemperature range manufactured from environmentally sensitive materialsis disclosed. The bag can be manufactured from such materials assilicone rubber and thermoset resins. By using such materials, the bagcan easily withstand the temperature ranges encountered in residentialkitchens extending from the freezer to the oven and all ambienttemperatures there between. In addition, by manufacturing the bag fromsuch materials, the environmental impact of using petroleum basedpolymers is avoided.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,371,153, incorporated herein by reference, discloses acontainer made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leakresistant seal having press-fit elements. The sizes and shapes of thepress-fit elements seal the mouth to resist leakage of liquids frominside the container. No external clips or clasps are needed for theseal. Extended flaps facilitate pulling the sides open. The containeritself may be of asymmetrical shape, e.g. trapezoidal.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, containerssuch as cups, bowls and tumblers made of silicone are provided that havespouts and zipper members for sealing the mouth of the container.

An aspect of the invention provides a container comprising: a base andfreestanding sides extending from the base to define a mouth oppositethe base, wherein the mouth has first and second spouts opposite eachother and first and second interior sides opposite each other betweenthe first and second spouts; a first zipper member extending from thefirst interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the secondspout; a second zipper member extending from the second interior side ofthe mouth from the first spout to the second spout, wherein the mouth isdeformable between open and closed configurations and the first andsecond zipper members are disengagable when the mouth is open andengagable when the mouth is closed, wherein the base, sides, and zippermembers are a unitary whole container without assembled parts, whereinthe container comprises silicone.

A further aspect of the invention provides a container made by a moldingprocess, wherein the container comprises: a base and freestanding sidesextending from the base to define a mouth opposite the base, wherein themouth has first and second spouts opposite each other and first andsecond interior sides opposite each other between the first and secondspouts; a first zipper member extending from the first interior side ofthe mouth from the first spout to the second spout; a second zippermember extending from the second interior side of the mouth from thefirst spout to the second spout, wherein the mouth is deformable betweenopen and closed configurations and the first and second zipper membersare disengagable when the mouth is open and engagable when the mouth isclosed, wherein the base, sides, and zipper members are a unitary wholecontainer without assembled parts, wherein the container comprisessilicone, wherein the molding process comprises a silicone moldingprocess selected from liquid injection molding, compression molding, andtransfer molding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments may be acquiredby referring to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate likefeatures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a short container in anopen configuration.

FIGS. 1C, 1D and 1E show end, side and bottom views, respectively, ofthe short container of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 1F and 1G illustrate perspective views of a short container in aclosed configuration.

FIGS. 1H, 1I and 1J show end, side and bottom views, respectively, ofthe short container of FIGS. 1F and 1G.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of a tumbler in an openconfiguration.

FIGS. 2C, 2D and 2E show end, side and bottom views, respectively, ofthe tumbler of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 2F and 2G illustrate perspective views of a tumbler in a closedconfiguration.

FIGS. 2H, 2I and 2J show end, side and bottom views, respectively, ofthe tumbler of FIGS. 2F and 2G.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of a bowl in open andclosed configurations, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of a tall container in openand closed configurations, respectively.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a tumbler in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the tumbler of FIG. 5A, wherein the zippermembers cross over and remain engaged at the spouts.

FIG. 5C shows a top view of the tumbler of FIG. 5A, wherein the zippermembers cross over and remain engaged at the spouts.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a tumbler having a spout at each end ofthe mouth.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the tumbler of FIG. 6A with cross-sectionsindicated.

FIGS. 6C, 6D and 6E are cross-sectional end views of the indicatedcross-sections of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6F shows a top view of the tumbler of FIG. 6A with a cross-sectionindicated.

FIG. 6G is a cross-sectional front view of the tumbler of FIG. 6Ashowing how the zipper member terminates at the spouts.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a tumbler having a spout at each end ofthe mouth and an alternative embodiment of the zipper members.

FIG. 7B shows a top view of the tumbler of FIG. 6A with cross-sectionsindicated.

FIGS. 7C and 7D are cross-sectional end views of the indicatedcross-sections of FIG. 7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-7Dbelow in view of the following general discussion. The presentdisclosure may be more easily understood in the context of a high leveldescription of certain embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a cup or a bowl that standson its own and zips at the top like a re-sealable zipper storage bag.The cup or bowl may be made with silicone in one piece, be flexible, befood grade, and be dishwasher/microwave safe. The cup or bowl may beused as a dish/cup. The cup or bowl may be used as a storage container.In particular, the cup or bowl may be great for travel.

The material may be thicker at the base for stability. The top may bethinner and more flexible. The zipper may be a tongue and grooveconfiguration wherein a male portion is mated with a female portion tomake the seal. The zipper may be a dual zipper or triple zipper. A claspmay be assembled to the exterior of the zipper for sliding along thezipper to assist with the mouth and/or closing of the zipper. The zippermay comprises male and female members that engage to seal the mouth. Forpurposes of this disclosure the mouth is considered sealed by the zippermembers when the zipper members engage sufficiently to remain closedindependent of any outside influences and retain water inside anup-side-down container. Containers may hold between 1 and 20 cups ofwater volume.

The container with zipper members may be molded as one unitary whole, inparticular, without assembled parts. For example, to make a containerthat is a unitary whole without assembled parts, the entirety of thecontainer with all its parts including zipper members may be compressionmolded, liquid injection molded, transfer molded or molded by anysimilar process. Overmolding may be included in these molding processes,wherein the zipper members may first be separately molded and thenplaced inside the container mold so that when the container is molded,the zipper members become “overmolded” or “encapsulated” by the liquidsilicone being injected in the mold to form the container, and therebybecome a unitary whole with the container. The zipper members andcontainer may be made to become a unitary whole by separately forming ormolding and then placing them in contact when the silicone material whenit is not fully crosslinked (cured), and then postbaking the parts tovulcanize the whole thing. The zipper members or other portions of thecontainer may be made from a harder durometer or different materialinjected into the mold, so that it may be a dual-durometer or co-moldedproduct.

Silicone, in particular, titanium silicone may be used. A siliconehaving a durometer of between 30-80 shore A, for example, may be used.The silicone may have an elongation a break between 290% and 620%. Thesilicone may have a tear strength of 21-33 N/mm.

One aspect of the invention is to use a liquid silicone rubber injectionmold process to make the container as a single unitary product. Uncuredliquid silicone rubber may start as two materials: a base-formingmaterial and a catalyst. The materials may be released into a mixingchamber, wherein color pigmentations or other additives may also bereleased into the mixing chamber. A specific volume may be injected intothe mold as an appropriate shot size for each job. Temperature,pressure, injection rate and cycle time may be adjusted depending on thesize and shape of the container being molded. The mold may comprise twoor more plates. Liquid silicone rubber may be injected into a preheatedmold to push the material into the mold and cavities therein. The liquidsilicone rubber is cured in the mold by the application of heat andpressure until it solidifies. A rate of silicone shrinkage should beconsidered. Because silicone is an elastic material, flashing may occurwhen removed from the cavity of a mold. Flashing can be removed from themolded container automatically or manually.

Another aspect of the invention is to use a high consistency siliconerubber compression mold process to make the container as a singleunitary product. Granular bulk silicone material is pre-catalyzed byadding powder. An exact amount of silicone required to make thecontainer is determined. A determined amount of silicone is cut andweighed and strategically placed in a mold cavity. The silicone materialmay be pre-shaped to the approximate configuration of the container sothat it fills all portions of the interior of the mold. The mold isheated to 300 degrees Celsius or higher as force is applied bycompressing the silicone between the plates of the mold to flow thesilicon into the cavities of the mold. The silicone is cured orvulcanized by an irreversible chemical reaction under heat and pressureto make a highly cross-linked molecular structure. The mold is openedand the molded container is removed. Flashing can be removed from themolded container automatically or manually.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, one feature is tohave a free standing container with a zipper seal of the mouth at thetop, wherein the mouth remains open when unsealed. A benefit to users isthat the mouth of the contain remains open in a free standing position,so users may pour or spoon contents into or out of the container withouthaving to hold open the mouth of the container. To enable this feature,the container may be silicone molded in in an open position, so that thefinished container naturally wants to assume an open position. Thezipper members may be silicone molded in straight molds so that bythemselves they naturally tend to assume straight positions. When thezipper members are then joined in the zipper slots of the container, thecombination tends to cause the mouth of the container to naturallyassume an open eye-shape when free-standing.

The figures show perspective, side and end views of separate cups, bowlsor containers. Each cup, bowl or container is made of a flexiblematerial that is sufficiently rigid in the base regions to stand ontheir own, but sufficiently flexible in the closure region to allow themouths to transition between open and closed configurations.

FIGS. 1A-1J show perspective, side and end views of a short container.The short container 10 comprises a base 11 that is generally oval inshape. The short container 10 further comprises a mouth 12 at the top,wherein the mouth is generally circular when open and general linearwhen closed. The base 11 comprises a wall thickness and materialcomposition that has sufficient stiffness or rigidity to resistdeformation in response to applied forces. The mouth 12 comprises wallthicknesses and material compositions that are sufficiently flexible orpliable to allow the mouth 12 to be deformed between open and closedconfigurations. In one embodiment, the short container 10 may have wallthicknesses or rigidity that vary uniformly from the base 11 to themouth 12, wherein the wall thicknesses are thicker or more rigid at thebase 11 and thinner or less rigid at the mouth 12. The short container10 may have a zipper slot 13 near the mouth 12 to seal the mouth in aclosed configuration.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the short container 10 in an openconfiguration wherein the view is looking down through the mouth intothe interior of the short container 10. FIG. 1B is a perspective view ofthe short container 10 in an open configuration wherein the view islooking up toward the base 11. FIG. 1C is an end view of the shortcontainer 10 in an open configuration, wherein the view from each end isidentical. FIG. 1D is a side view of the short container 10 in an openconfiguration, wherein the views from both the front and back areidentical. FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the short container 10 in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the short container 10 in a closedconfiguration wherein the view is looking down at the closed mouth 12 ofthe short container 10. FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the shortcontainer 10 in a closed configuration wherein the view is looking uptoward the base 11. FIG. 1H is an end view of the short container 10 ina closed configuration, wherein the view from each end is identical.FIG. 1I is a side view of the short container 10 in a closedconfiguration, wherein the views from both the front and back areidentical. FIG. 1J is a bottom view of the short container 10 in aclosed configuration.

In alternative embodiments, the base 11 of the short container 10 may beany geometric shape, for example, square, rectangle, triangle, octagon,hexagon, oval, etc. Further, the mouth 12 may also be of any geometricshape. Still further, cross-sections of the short container 10 betweenthe base 11 and the mouth 12 may be of any geometric shape. In someembodiments of the invention, the base 11, mouth 12, and cross-sectionsbetween the base 11 and mouth 12 all have the same geometric shape. Instill other embodiments of the invention, the base 11, mouth 12, andcross-sections between the base 11 and mouth 12 have different geometricshapes.

FIGS. 2A-2J show perspective, side and end views of a tumbler. Thetumbler 20 comprises a base 21 that is generally circular in shape. Thetumbler 20 further comprises a mouth 22 at the top, wherein the mouth isgenerally circular when open and general linear when closed. The base 21comprises a wall thickness and material composition that has sufficientstiffness or rigidity to resist deformation in response to appliedforces. The mouth 22 comprises wall thicknesses and materialcompositions that are sufficiently flexible or pliable to allow themouth 22 to be deformed between open and closed configurations. Thetumbler 20 may have a zipper slot 23 near the mouth 22 to seal the mouthin a closed configuration. The tumbler 20 may have wall thicknesses andrigidity that vary uniformly from the base 21 to the mouth 22, whereinthe wall thicknesses are thicker or more rigid at the base 21 andthinner or less rigid at the mouth 22.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tumbler 20 in an open configurationwherein the view is looking down through the mouth into the interior ofthe bowl 20. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tumbler 20 in an openconfiguration wherein the view is looking up toward the base 21. FIG. 2Cis an end view of the tumbler 20 in an open configuration, wherein theview from each end is identical. FIG. 2D is a side view of the tumbler20 in an open configuration, wherein the views from both the front andback are identical. FIG. 2E is a bottom view of the tumbler 20 in anopen configuration.

FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the tumbler 20 in a closedconfiguration wherein the view is looking down at the closed mouth 22 ofthe tumbler 20. FIG. 2G is a perspective view of the tumbler 20 in aclosed configuration wherein the view is looking up toward the base 21.FIG. 2H is an end view of the tumbler 20 in a closed configuration,wherein the view from each end is identical. FIG. 2I is a side view ofthe tumbler 20 in a closed configuration, wherein the views from boththe front and back are identical. FIG. 2J is a bottom view of thetumbler 20 in a closed configuration.

In alternative embodiments, the base 21 of the tumbler 20 may be anygeometric shape, for example, square, rectangle, triangle, octagon,hexagon, oval, etc. Further, the mouth 22 may also be of any geometricshape. Still further, cross-sections of the tumbler 20 between the base21 and the mouth 22 may be of any geometric shape. In some embodimentsof the invention, the base 21, mouth 22, and cross-sections between thebase 21 and mouth 22 all have the same geometric shape. In still otherembodiments of the invention, the base 21, mouth 22, and cross-sectionsbetween the base 21 and mouth 22 have different geometric shapes.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bowl 30 in an open configurationwherein the view is looking down through the mouth 32 into the interiorof the bowl 30. A zipper slot 33 is just inside the mouth 32. The bowl30 stands vertically upright on a base 31. FIG. 3B is a perspective viewof the bowl 30 in a closed configuration wherein the view is lookingdown at the closed mouth 32 of the bowl 30.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tall container 40 in an openconfiguration wherein the view is looking down through the mouth 42 intothe interior of the tall container 40. The tall container 40 standsvertically on its base 41 with the mouth 42 at the top. A zipper slot 43is just inside the mouth 42. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the tallcontainer 40 in a closed configuration wherein the view is looking downat the closed mouth 42 of the tall container 40.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a tumbler 50. The tumbler 50comprises a base 51 that is circular in shape. The tumbler 50 furthercomprises a mouth 52 at the top, wherein the mouth 52 is generallycircular when open and generally linear when closed. The tumbler 50further comprises a rim 54 between the base 51 and the mouth 52. Thetumbler 50 comprises a lower wall 55 between the base 51 and the rim 54having a thickness and material composition that has sufficientstiffness or rigidity to resist deformation in response to appliedforces, so that the tumbler 50 may freely stand vertically on its base51. Further, the tumbler 50 has an upper wall 56 between the base 51 andthe rim 54 having a wall thickness and material composition sufficientlyflexible or pliable to allow the mouth 52 to be deformed between openand closed configurations. In one embodiment, the circumference of theupper wall 56 above the rim 54 may be larger than the circumference ofthe lower wall 55 below the rim 54, so that the upper wall 56 may berolled or folded down over the exterior of the lower wall 55 below therim 54. In a rolled or folded down configuration, the bowl 50 may morefully function as a traditional bowl. To seal the tumbler 50, the upperwall 56 may be unrolled or unfolded to an extended position, as shown inFIG. 5, and a zipper in the zipper slot 53 may be zipped to form a seal.Embodiments of a container, cup or bowl may be similar to the tumbler 50shown in FIG. 5.

Some embodiments of the invention, made of silicone, have base andsidewall thicknesses greater than 0.5 mm. Other embodiments of theinvention, made of silicone, have base and sidewall thicknesses betweenabout 0.7 mm and about 1.3 mm. Still further embodiments of theinvention, made of silicone, have base and sidewall thicknesses of about1.0 mm.

The tumblers, cups or bowls may be made of silicone material that iseither transparent or opaque and made to be any color. The silicone maybe of a quality and composition appropriate for applications in contactwith foodstuffs. In particular, methyl-vinyl-polysiloxane obtained by aprocess of cross-linking with platinum may be an appropriate silicone.Material may include polyurethane rubber, tin-cured silicone rubber, andplatinum-cured silicone rubber. Numeric markers may be added to indicatevolumetric measurements within the cups, bowls or tumblers.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional top view of the tumbler shown in FIG. 5A,wherein male and female zipper members 57 and 58 are shown. The malezipper member 57 is positioned just inside the mouth 52 and extends fromone interior side of the tumbler 50. The female zipper member 58 ispositioned just inside the mouth 52 and extends from the other side ofthe tumbler 50. In this embodiment, the tumbler 50 has relatively thicktips 59 at opposite ends of the mouth 52, wherein each tip 59 form aninterior wall transverse to the axis of the mouth 52. The exteriorsurfaces of tips 59 provide “handles” for a user to hold the tumbler 50while closing the zipper members 57 and 58 together. The zipper membersterminate at the interior walls of the tips 59 to completely seal themouth 52 of the tumbler 50 when closed. The zipper members 57 and 58“cross over” each other at the tips 59 so that the male and femalezipper elements completely engage at the tips 59, even when the mouth 52of the tumbler 50 is open as shown in FIG. 5B. To close the mouth 52, auser simply squeezes the sides of the mouth 52 together and pinches thezipper members 57 and 58 together until the male and female zippermembers 57 and 58 are completely engaged from tip 59 to tip 59. Whenopen, the mouth 52 forms a spout 53 at each tip 59

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional top view of an alternative tumbler 50 shownin FIG. 5A, wherein male and female zipper members 57 and 58 are shown.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the male zipper member 57 ispositioned just inside the mouth 52 and extends from one interior sideof the tumbler 50 and the female zipper member 58 is positioned justinside the mouth 52 and extends from the other side of the tumbler 50.However, in this embodiment, the tips 59, formed at each end of themouth 52, have relatively thin wall thicknesses and each tip 59 does notform an interior wall transverse to the axis of the mouth 52. The wallthicknesses in the region of the tip 59 is approximately the same as theside walls forming the mouth 52. The male and female zipper members 57and 58 extend all the way to the most extreme ends of the tips 59 and“cross over” each other at the tips 59. The ends of the zipper members57 and 58 are angled at about 45 degrees, so that when the zippermembers 57 and 58 are closed together, they seal the zipper at the tips59.

FIGS. 6A-6E show perspective, top and cross-sectional end views of atumbler 60. The tumbler 60 comprises a base 61 that is generallycircular in shape. The tumbler 60 further comprises a mouth 62 at thetop, wherein the mouth is generally circular when open and generallylinear when closed. At each end of the interior of the mouth 62, thetumbler 60 has a spout 63. In this embodiment, the tips 69, formed ateach end of the mouth 62, have wall thicknesses approximately the sameas the side walls forming the mouth 62. The male zipper member 67 ispositioned just inside the mouth 62 and protrudes from one interior sideof the tumbler 60 and extends from one spout 63 to the other spout 63.The female zipper member 68 is positioned just inside the mouth 62 andprotrudes from the other interior side of the tumbler 60 and extendsfrom one spout 63 to the other spout 63.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the tumbler 60. FIG. 6B is a top viewof the tumbler 60 with indicated cross-sections, wherein sections C-C,D-D and E-E are shown in FIGS. 6C-6E, respectively. Throughout asubstantial portion of the middle of the male and female members 67 and68, the members are fully formed and fully dimensioned. FIG. 6C showsthe fully formed and fully dimensioned male and female members 67 and68. In this embodiment, the members have interlocking features that holdthem together and form a seal when the male zipper member 67 is insertedinto the female zipper member 68. In cross-section, the male zippermember 67 has a button or mushroom profile having a trunk 101 with ahead 102 at the distal end of the trunk 101. The head 102 is wider thanthe trunk 101 so that two shoulders 103 extend in opposite directionsfrom the trunk 101. In cross-section, the female zipper member 68comprises two opposed flanges 104, wherein each flange 104 has ashoulder 105 extending toward the opposite flange 104. When the male andfemale members 67 and 68 are engaged to close and seal the mouth 62, thehead 102 is inserted between the flanges 104 until the shoulders 103 ofthe male zipper member 67 become locked behind shoulders 105 of thefemale zipper member 68. Because the male and female members 67 and 68are made of a flexible material, the members flex during insertion andrebound upon engagement.

As the male and female members 67 and 68 extend toward the spouts 63,they become shorter in height but retain their form. FIG. 6D shows therelatively shorter male and female members 67 and 68. In particular, thesize of the head 102 of the male zipper member 67 is the same size andthe channel defined by the flanges 104 of the female zipper member 68 isthe same size as the head and channel shown in FIG. 6C.

As the male and female members 67 and 68 extend nearly to the spouts 63,they become even shorter in height and change their form. In thisembodiment, the members change their form by reducing the size of thehead 102 and reducing the size of the channel between the flanges 104.FIG. 6E shows the relatively shorter male and female members 67 and 68.The shoulders 103 and 105 also shrink in size as the member taperstoward the spouts 63. The male and female members 67 and 68 continue totaper until they become non-existent at the spouts 63.

FIG. 6F is a bottom view of the tumbler 60 shown in FIGS. 6A-6E,indicating a cut-away elevation G-G along the axis of the mouth 62. FIG.6G is a cut-away front view of the tumbler 60, wherein the cut-away isat Section G-G so that the interior of the tumbler 60 is visible. Thefemale zipper member 68 extends from one spout 63 to the other. Thefemale zipper member 68 has two flanges 104, which define a channelbetween for receiving the head 102 of the male zipper member 67 (notshown). The flanges 104 taper and become smaller as they extend towardthe spouts 63 so that they terminate at the spouts 63. Of course, thechannel defined between the flanges 104 also terminates at the spouts63.

Referring again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the male and female zipper members67 and 68 do not interfere with the spout 63. When the mouth 62 is open,the male and female zipper members 67 and 68 do not engage with eachother at the spouts 63. This allows a fluid contained within the tumbler60 to be poured out of either spout 63 without flowing over either ofthe male and female zipper members 67 and 68. Rather, the fluid may flowbetween the male and female zipper members 67 and 68 through either ofthe spouts 63. Further, because the zipper members do not engage whenthe mouth 62 is open, there is less opportunity for debris and residueto become lodged in the channel defined between the flanges 104 of thefemale zipper member 68 or behind the head 102 of the male zipper member67.

FIGS. 7A-7D show perspective cross-sectional end views of an alternativetumbler 70. The tumbler 70 comprises a base 71 that is generallycircular in shape. The tumbler 70 further comprises a mouth 72 at thetop, wherein the mouth is generally circular when open and generallylinear when closed. At each end of the interior of the mouth 72, thetumbler 70 has a spout 73. In this embodiment, the tips 79, formed ateach end of the mouth 72, have wall thicknesses approximately the sameas the side walls forming the mouth 72. The male zipper member 77 ispositioned just inside the mouth 72 and protrudes from one interior sideof the tumbler 70 and extends from one spout 73 to the other spout 73.The female zipper member 78 is positioned just inside the mouth 72 andprotrudes from the other interior side of the tumbler 70 and extendsfrom one spout 73 to the other spout 73. In this embodiment, the maleand female zipper members 77 and 78 have end sections near the spouts 73that are much different than the middle sections.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the tumbler 70. FIG. 7B is a top viewof the tumbler 70 with indicated cross-sections, wherein sections C-Cand D-D are shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, respectively. FIG. 7C shows themale zipper member 77 has a button or mushroom profile having a trunk101 with a head 102 at the distal end of the trunk 101. The head 102 iswider than the trunk 101 so that two shoulders 103 extend in oppositedirections from the trunk 101. In cross-section, the female zippermember 78 comprises two opposed flanges 104, wherein each flange 104 hasa shoulder 105 extending toward the opposite flange 104. When the maleand female members 77 and 78 are engaged to close and seal the mouth 72,the head 102 is inserted between the flanges 104 until the shoulders 103of the male zipper member 77 become locked behind shoulders 105 of thefemale zipper member 78. Both the male zipper member 77 and femalezipper member 78 maintain their cross-sectional profiles throughout theentire middle sections. The ends of the male and female zipper members77 and 78 have a different profile compared to the middle sections. Theends of the male zipper members 77 have a cross-sectional profile in theshape of a headless trunk 107. See FIG. 7D. The ends of the femalezipper members 78 have a cross-sectional profile in the shape of twoshoulderless flanges 108, which define a channel between the flanges.See FIG. 7D. Thus, a difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6Fand the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7D is that the shoulders 103 and 105terminate well before the male and female zipper members 77 and 78terminate at the spouts 73. However, a similar feature of the twoembodiments is that the male and female zipper members 77 and 78 do notinterfere with the spout 73. When the mouth 72 is open, the male andfemale zipper members 77 and 78 do not engage with each other at thespouts 73. This allows a fluid contained within the tumbler 70 to bepoured out of either spout 73 without flowing over either of the maleand female zipper members 77 and 78. Rather, the fluid may flow betweenthe headless trunk 107 and the shoulderless flanges 108 through eitherof the spouts 73. Further, because the zipper members do not engage whenthe mouth 72 is open, there is less opportunity for debris and residueto become lodged in the channel defined between the shoulderless flanges108 of the female zipper member 78 or around the headless trunk 107 ofthe male zipper member 77.

Although the disclosed embodiments are described in detail in thepresent disclosure, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from their spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: a base and freestandingsides extending from the base to define a mouth opposite the base,wherein the base, the freestanding sides, and the mouth are a unitarywhole container without assembled parts, the mouth comprising: a firstspout; a second spout opposite the first spout; a female zipper memberextending from a first interior side of the mouth from the first spoutto the second spout, the female zipper member comprising: a femalemiddle portion comprising: two middle flanges extending from the firstinterior side of the mouth to define a middle channel between the twomiddle flanges, and a distal female middle shoulder extending from eachof the two middle flanges toward each other into the middle channel;first and second female end portions opposite each other with the femalemiddle portion between, each of the first and second female end portionscomprising: two end flanges extending from the first interior side ofthe mouth to define an end channel between the two end flanges, whereinthe two middle flanges extend farther from the first interior side ofthe mouth than the two end flanges; a male zipper member extending froma second interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the secondspout, wherein the female and male zipper members are positionedopposite each other so as to share the same central axis to beengageable when closing the mouth, the male zipper member comprising: amale middle portion positioned opposite the channel of the female middleportion and comprising: a middle trunk extending from the secondinterior side of the mouth, and two distal male middle shouldersextending opposite each other from the middle trunk; and first andsecond male end portions at opposite ends of the middle portionpositioned opposite the end channels of the first and second female endportions, each of the first and second male end portions comprising: anend trunk extending from the second interior side of the mouth, whereinthe middle trunk extends farther from the second interior side of themouth than the end trunk; wherein the male and female zipper members donot extend across either the first or second spout when the mouth is inan open configuration; wherein each of the first and second female endportions further comprise a distal female end shoulder extending fromeach of the two end flanges toward each other into the end channel, andthe distal female middle shoulders extend from the two middle flangesfarther than the distal female end shoulders extend from the two endflanges; and wherein the each of the first and second male end portionsfurther comprise two distal male end shoulders extending opposite eachother from the end trunk and the male middle shoulders extend fartherfrom the middle trunk than the male end shoulders extend from the endtrunk.
 2. The container, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base andsides have thicknesses greater than 0.5 mm.
 3. The container, as claimedin claim 1, wherein the base and sides have thicknesses between 0.7 mmand 1.3 mm.
 4. The container, as claimed in claim 1 wherein thethickness of each of the first and second zipper members is less than5.0 mm.
 5. The container, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the femalemiddle portion tapers into both of the first and second female endportions, and wherein the male middle portion tapers into both of thefirst and second male end portions.
 6. The container, as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the base, freestanding sides, and mouth consistessentially of silicone.
 7. The container, as claimed in claim 1,wherein the base and sides have thicknesses greater than 0.5 mm, andwherein the thickness of each of the male and female zipper members isless than 5.0 mm.
 8. The container, as claimed in claim 1, wherein themouth is biased toward the open configuration such that when thecontainer stands freely on its base the mouth stays open when in theopen configuration.